Fire & Smoke Damage: What Your Claim Should Cover

Fire Claims Are Complex

Fire damage claims involve much more than structural repair. Smoke, soot, water damage from firefighting, contents, landscaping, additional living expenses — a thorough claim accounts for all of it.

What Fire Damage Claims Should Cover

Structural Damage

• •Framing, drywall, roofing, siding
• •Electrical and plumbing systems
• •HVAC systems and ductwork
• •Windows, doors, and trim

Smoke and Soot Damage

• •Smoke can travel throughout the entire structure
• •Soot contamination on surfaces, inside cabinets, in HVAC
• •Odor remediation (thermal fogging, ozone treatment)
• •Cleaning vs. replacement of affected materials

Water Damage

• •Firefighting water causes secondary damage
• •Extraction, drying, and restoration
• •Mold prevention measures

Contents

• •Personal property damaged or destroyed
• •Clothing, electronics, furniture, appliances
• •Specialized items (art, collections, jewelry)

Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

• •Temporary housing costs
• •Meal expenses above normal
• •Storage costs
• •Transportation costs

Code Upgrades

• •If repairs require bringing the property up to current building codes
• •Ordinance and law coverage may apply

Common Issues with Fire Claims

• •Smoke damage is underestimated — Carriers often only account for visible soot, not smoke that has permeated walls, insulation, and HVAC systems.
• •Contents are undervalued — The insurance company may depreciate items heavily or undercount what was lost.
• •ALE is limited too quickly — Carriers may pressure you to return before the home is safe.
• •Matching not addressed — Partial repairs should match the rest of the home.

What to Do After a Fire

1. Ensure everyone's safety and contact emergency services

2. Document everything — photos, videos, written inventory

3. Secure the property (board-up services)

4. Contact your insurance company

5. Don't discard damaged items without documenting them

6. Consider consulting a public adjuster before accepting any estimate